TCRS Annual Retirement Survey

The Transamerica Annual Retirement Survey is now in its 18th year. The survey comprises research among nationally representative samples of American workers and employers, and is designed to explore attitudes and behaviors regarding retirement security and benefits. It is one of the largest and longest-running of its kind and is conducted through an independent research firm. TCRS reports include in-depth segmentation and comparison analysis of workers based on company size, gender, generation, household income, education and race/ethnicity. Findings of employers are examined on company size.

18th Annual Retirement Survey (2017)

A Retirement Security Retrospective: 2007 Versus 2017

The Great Recession officially lasted from December 2007 to June 20091 but its after effects continue to linger today. Questions continue to be asked about the status of the recovery among employers and workers. How has retirement security changed? What are areas in need of improvement? TCRS prepared this report based on findings from its annual retirement survey of workers and employers to help answer these questions.

As part of its 18th Annual Retirement Survey, TCRS surveyed 1,825 employers of for-profit companies with five or more employees to learn how they are helping their employees prepare for retirement. The study also provides context by comparing the employer survey findings with TCRS’ survey of 6,372 workers.

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers - 18th Annual Survey (2017) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 18th Annual Survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, educational attainment, and race/ethnicity, which are also available as separate reports..

Wishful Thinking or Within Reach? Three Generations Prepare for “Retirement”

The 18th annual survey of more than 6,000 workers across the country examines the retirement-related promises and pitfalls faced by Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. The survey finds workers are planning to live long lives with visions of a “retirement” that includes both work and personal interests – but with obstacles negatively impacting their ability to achieve success.

17th Annual Retirement Survey (2016)

Seventeen Facts About Women's Retirement Outlook

In conjunction with National Women’s History Month which corresponds with International Women’s Day on, March 8, TCRS highlights findings from its 17th Transamerica Retirement Survey of Workers. TCRS research finds that women have unique challenges - and opportunities - in preparing for retirement.

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers - 17th Annual Survey (2016) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 17th Annual Survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, educational attainment and ethnicity, which are also available as excerpts.

Savers Credit

Learn more about the Saver's Credit, an IRS tax credit for eligible taxpayers who save for retirement in a 401(k), 403(b), or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan; a traditional or Roth IRA; or a new myRA. TCRS research finds that only one in three workers are aware of the credit.

The retirement landscape is ever-evolving. Societally, as the way that we live and work continues to change, we should expect widely held assumptions about retirement to change. Our research examines three generations currently represented in the workforce: Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. The landscape is now changing so rapidly that it is clear that their retirements will be different from their parents’ generation and from each other’s as well.

16th Annual Retirement Survey (2015)

The Current State of 401(k)s - The Employer Perspective

TCRS' new research among employers offers an overview of retirement plan sponsorship rates, comparisons by company size, and includes worker insights. Coincident with the release of the new report, on behalf of TCRS and Transamerica Institute, Catherine Collinson has been invited to share the findings and other research before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s hearing titled, “Closing the Gap: Innovations to Promote Americans’ Retirement Security.”

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers -- 16th Annual Survey (2015) - Full Survey Results
Complete results from the 16th Annual Survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, and educational attainment, which are also available as excerpts.

Retirement Throughout the Ages: Expectations and Preparations of American Workers

As part of the 16th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report examines current expectations and preparations among American workers in their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties and older.

Baby Boomer Workers Are Revolutionizing Retirement: Are They and Their Employers Ready?

The Retirement Readiness Challenge: Five Ways Employers Can Improve Their 401(k)s

A Compendium of Findings About American Workers -- 15th Annual Survey (2014) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 15th Annual Survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by company size, generation, gender, household income, educational attainment, and ethnicity/race, which are also available as excerpts.

Generation X Workers - The 401(k) Generation

Generation X workers are facing formidable uncertainties about their future retirement. This “401(k) Generation” joined the workforce as 401(k)s were being introduced, and many of them are saving for retirement through such plans. However, the study reveals that current levels of savings may not be enough, and offers recommendations to help improve the retirement readiness outlook for Gen Xers.

Millennial Workers - An Emerging Generation of Super Savers

Millennial workers are engaged in retirement saving and planning, and appear to be an emerging generation of super savers. As part of the 15th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report examines Millennials' attitudes and retirement readiness.

The Retirement Readiness of Three Unique Generations

As part of the 15th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, this report examines current trends among American workers and compares the retirement outlooks of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials.

14th Annual Retirement Survey (2013)

The Retirement Readiness Imperative: Overcoming the Challenges Faced by Small Companies

This report on small businesses, part of the 14th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, examines retirement benefits offered by small companies (10-499 employees), assesses the retirement outlook of small-company workers, offers comparisons with large companies (500+ employees), and provides recommendations.

Congressional Testimony

Catherine Collinson was invited to testify to the results of “The Retirement Readiness Imperative: Overcoming the Challenges Faced by Small Companies” before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business at its hearing, “The Challenge of Retirement Savings for Small Employers.”

Unlocking Secrets of Retirement Readiness: Meet the Everyday People Who Are 'Power Planners'

The latest survey found that retirement confidence is on the rise, but that there are many Americans who remain unready for retirement. However, the research also discovered five segments of 'Power Planners' who are on the road to retirement readiness and can serve as a source of inspiration for others.

14th Annual Survey (2013) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 14th Annual survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by age, gender, generation, household income, and participation in a retirement plan. The employer report includes trend data and comparisons by company size.

Dreaming About Retirement

13th Annual Retirement Survey (2012)

Emerging from the Economic Storm: Retirement Plans in the United States, 2007-2012

This report evaluates how American workers and company-sponsored retirement plans have fared during these five difficult years of recession and brings to light opportunities to improve the current retirement system.

Juggling Current Needs and Long-Term Security: Every Woman Needs Her Own Retirement Strategy

The annual Transamerica Retirement Study found that nearly half of working women don’t have a retirement strategy. This report was created to shed light on women’s attitudes and behaviors related to saving and planning for retirement and outlines key steps that can be taken to help women attain a more secure retirement.

Spotlight on the Saver's Credit

TCRS released survey results to help increase public awareness of the Saver's Credit, an important tax credit for low- to middle-income workers who save through a qualified retirement plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA.

10,000 Baby Boomers Turn 65 Every Day Infographic

Weathering the Economic Storm: Retirement Plans in the U.S., 2007-2012

This report evaluates how American workers and company-sponsored retirement plans have fared during these five difficult years of recession, and brings to light opportunities to improve the current retirement system.

Retirement Security Priorities for the President and Congress

TCRS surveyed American workers before the 2012 election and asked them what they thought should be the priorities for the next President and Congress to help Americans prepare for a financially secure retirement.

Redefining Retirement: The New "Retirement Readiness"

13th Annual Survey (2012) - Full Survey Results

Complete results from the 13th Annual survey. The worker report includes trend data and comparisons by age, gender, generation, household income, and participation in a retirement plan. The employer report includes trend data and comparisons by company size.

Managing the Road to Retirement: How Different Age Groups Save

Back-on-Track: Helping Pre-Retirees Improve Their Retirement Outlook

Educating Yourself Today for a More Secure Tomorrow

Congressional Testimony

On February 25, 2009, TCRS was invited to testify at a hearing entitled, "Drop in Retirement Savings: The Challenges Small Business Face Funding and Maintaining Retirement Plans in a Struggling Economy," conducted by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business.

Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies® (TCRS) is a division of Transamerica Institute®, a nonprofit, private foundation. Transamerica Institute is funded by contributions from Transamerica Life Insurance Company and its affiliates and may receive funds from unaffiliated third parties. TCRS and its representatives cannot give ERISA, tax, investment or legal advice. This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as ERISA, tax, investment or legal advice. Interested parties must consult and rely solely upon their own independent advisors regarding their particular situation and the concepts presented here. Although care has been taken in preparing this material and presenting it accurately, TCRS disclaims any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of any material contained herein and any liability with respect to it.

TCRS Email Alert Signup

Please complete the information below to receive an email when we release new reports, research findings or other updates.